People experiencing domestic and family violence will receive tailored, multi-agency support with the roll out of Safer Pathway

22 Jul 2016

People experiencing domestic and family violence will receive tailored, multi-agency support with the roll out of Safer Pathway.

Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Pru Goward was joined today by the Member for Seven Hills Mark Taylor, Member for Castle Hill Ray Williams and Member for Riverstone Kevin Conolly at the Blacktown Police station to make the announcement.

The Safer Pathway program will roll out in the Mt Druitt, Blacktown and Quakers Hill Police Local Area Commands (LACs) from November 2016 and into the Hills and Holroyd LACs from March 2017.

Ms Goward said Safer Pathway aims to ensure every domestic violence victim across NSW receives a consistent and effective response regardless of where they live.

“Following the success of Safer Pathway’s first six sites, the NSW Government has committed $53 million over four years to expand Safer Pathway statewide, with 21 new locations rolling out in 2016-17,” Ms Goward said.

Safer Pathway brings together local representatives including Police, Health, Corrections, Family and Community Services and Education along with local specialist non-government domestic and family violence services, creating a streamlined, integrated referral pathway for victims who are ‘at threat’ or ‘at serious threat’ to their life, health or safety.

The services will be coordinated by the Western Sydney, North West Sydney and Macquarie Women’s Domestic Violence Court Advocacy Services, which have a long history of providing professional advocacy and support for women who have experienced domestic violence.

“Courageous victims who have been left traumatised and terrified will no longer have to shop around to get the services they need nor will they have to re-tell their story to a multitude of government agencies,” Ms Goward said.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Police and Justice Troy Grant said the NSW Liberals & Nationals Government is committed to breaking the cycle of domestic violence in NSW.

“This roll out means even more victims across NSW will now receive coordinated help and support to live their lives free from violence,” Mr Grant said.

Member for Seven Hills Mark Taylor welcomed the announcement of the roll out of Safer Pathway.

“It is vital that we have the right support in place for people experiencing domestic violence. Safer Pathway provides that tailored support to domestic violence survivors for things such as housing, safety planning and healthcare,” Mr Taylor said.

Mr Williams said domestic violence is one of the biggest social issues affecting the lives of women, men and children.

“Domestic violence is a scourge and has no place in the community. The rollout of Safer Pathway will mean more people escaping domestic violence will get the personalized help they need when they need it most,” Mr Williams said.

Mr Conolly said the NSW Government is working hard to make meaningful reforms that will make a lasting difference to the lives of women, men and children so they can live safe lives free of domestic violence.

“Preventing domestic violence is no easy task. It will take time and persistent effort to change the behaviours and attitudes in our community,” Mr Conolly said